20 ANOS DE TARANTULA TRIBUTO (Recital Records, double CD, 32 tracks, heavy-metal) : Tarantula is the best heavy-metal band from Portugal and during the different ages of the band since 20 years, Tarantula released 6 albums and mainly 2 great CD, Dream Maker (the last album in date) and Light Beyond The Dark. Recital Records decided to unleash a compilation to the memory of this excellent band. Divided into 2 CDs, each CD contains bands that played Tarantula tracks and it is composed only by Portuguese bands. You'll listen cover songs played by the best bands from this country oratory, Evidence or Sacred Sin and songs played by some unknown bands (Ifyouarealone....). A good compilation for this excellent band, the best heavy-metal band from Portugal and you have the chance to discover really interesting bands from Portugal with this tribute CD. (7/10)

ALICE COPPER : Dragontown (, 51'19', 12 tracks, heavy-metal) : Each new album releases by Alice Copper is an event and I think the fans waited this new CD. To resume this new CD, I would day it is a true Alice Copper album with all the elements of this cult guy. Maybe the songs are a little bit catchier (Triggerman) but for the rest, it is the continuity of the previous CDs. As always, an excellent production, killer guitars riffs but you don't find any new things in Dragontown if we except a better sound than in the past for sure. A traditional album for Alice Copper, it is sure, the fans will be really satisfied 'cause I repeat Alice Copper releases a true metal album, his own metal music. (6,5/10)

ANDROMEDA : Extension Of The Wish (Nothing To Say, double CD, 16 tracks, progressive heavy-metal) : Coming from Sweden, Andromeda released this debut CD in 2000 but it was only released for some countries, due to this it was really difficult to find it. Nothing To Say (the French distributor) decided to sign the band and re-releases this CD but only for the French market. This new version contains 2 CDs 'cause in first there is the original version and secondly, there is a new version of the CD with 2 bonus tacks and with a new singer 'cause the previous left the band few times after the recording sessions. The musical way is really excellent, a progressive heavy-metal step influenced by Dream Theater and Symphony X and with some traditional heavy-metal (Rush, Kiss or Metallica) but the whole of the CD stays progressive music. With excellent compositions (Crescendo Of Thoughts) and a great singer, this album is a great release and we have the chance in France to discover this masterpiece. (9/10)

ANGRA : Rebirth (Editora Rock Brigade, 52'53', 10 tracks, heavy-metal) : We waited the come back of the cult Brazilian act and it is a great pleasure to listen their new materials. For sure, Andre Matos is no longer in Angra but the other members decided to keep in live this great band. The new CD is really excellent and the new singer is for sure a great singer (Edu Falashi) 'cause he has a great potential, a great voice and he gives great atmospheres to the songs. For the rest, it is a pure Angra album even if we feel more melodies and more classical influences but the riffs, the ambience and this great heavy-metal music showing the technicality of the band. Yes, it is a great CD, don't miss this masterpiece ! (10/10)

ANTITHESIS : Dying For Life (Massacre Records, 61'59', 10 tracks, thrash-metal) : Few months ago, I did a review about the debut album of the band from Ohio and it was a good debut album with good things but unfortunately without a professional and mature approach. Massacre Records signed the band few days ago and unleashes this new CD. The new materials are always so influenced by the American thrash-metal scene near of nevermore with some Metallica touches. A good production and good sound but finally, I am really satisfied the band is now more professional and more mature 'cause we feel really the own musical way of the band even if they are always influenced by Nevermore. A good new CD, for all the fans of the American thrash-metal. (7/10)

ARACHNES : The Goddess Temple (Scarlet, 49'55', 15 tracks, heavy-metal with progressive influences) : After their successful second CD released last year, the Italian band decides to re-release their debut CD. Not only a simple new release, Arachnes adds bonus songs and a complete new sound and packaging (digipack). You'll find the complete album with a new sound and it is sure, in comparison with the original sound, this new one is better, more aggressive and really cleaner. About the new songs, there are songs taken from their second CD "Parallel Worlds" and a cover song (Iron Maiden) taken from the Brazilian edition and complete unreleased songs. If you have the first CD and the second or if you have only the second effort, don't miss this new re-release of this good progressive / heavy-metal band... (7,5/10)

AXXIS : Eyes Of Darkness (Massacre Records, 54'54', 13 tracks, heavy-metal) : I was really satisfied by the debut album of the German act "Back To The Kingdom" and their mini CD, released few times after, was also an excellent mini CD. Axxis is back with its second full album and once again, the band releases a great new act. Always between heavy-metal and hard-rock music, we feel a great feeling, near of the 70's music and once again, the band proposes really diversified songs. Melodic, aggressive and heavy, the compositions are really in the Axxis way and if you liked the 2 previous releases (mini CD + full CD), you won't be disappointed by the materials. In more, Axxis decided to include in this CD a game (the Axxis's game) and a video clip, 2 reasons to buy the CD... (8/10)

BALANCE OF POWER : Perfect Balance (Massacre Records, 52'47', 9 tracks, heavy-metal) : As many persons, I discovered Balance Of Power with their previous album and in the past, I didn't know this band. This third CD wasn't really excellent but it was a good heavy-metal album, not really original unfortunately. Massacre unleashes the new CD from the English band and sincerely, I am really more interested by it. The new materials is really more technical but also more melodic mainly in the vocals. The keyboards mixed with the great guitars parts give really deeper songs with more melodies, more symphonic influences. The must is the production that is really excellent ! A good come back for the band, it is a good surprise, more melodic and symphonic album but I change my point of view in comparison with the previous CD, this new one is a good CD. (7/10)

BEATEN BACK TO PURE : Southern Apocalypse (Retribute Records, 30'45', 6 tracks, stoner / death) : It is really difficult to release something original when you play stoner music. Of course, if you're a cult band (Cathedral...), you have an established name but for younger bands, they must find their own musical way and sometimes the materials are really too influenced by the masters. Beaten Back To Pure is a young band for sure but with this first effort, they have found their way I guess. They play stoner music influenced by Cathedral, Fu Manchu but the big originality is the vocals influenced by the death and hardcore scene and it gives really extreme vocals mixed with stoner music. The other positive point is the production of Today Is The Day's Steve Austin who brings his touch and sometimes, we can feel some Today Is The Day influences in the atmospheres by this way. A good debut CD, original stoner music for those who are searching about this. (7/10)

BEWITCHED : Rise Of The Antichrist (Osmose Productions, 33'10', 9 tracks, hell metal) : Bewitched created the musical style called the hell metal that is to say a mix between old thrash-metal influenced by old Kreator, Destruction with a more actual step. This time with their sixth album the band is definitely in the 801's 'cause, even if the music is the same, the production is a typical production of these ages. You could think to listen an old Kreator or Destruction CD, the same sound and it is a great thing about this ! For the rest, it is a true Bewitched CD, maybe the most aggressive CD but it stays the best CD released by the Swedish band. A good come back for them and don't forget this musical style from Sweden influencing tons of bands (Nocturnal Breed....). (7,5/10)

BEYOND TWILIGHT : The Devil's Hall Of Fame (Massacre Records, 45'50', 8 tracks, progressive / heavy-metal) : Beyond Twilight is a new band formed by guys from Denmark / Norway and Sweden and featuring Jorne Lande (ex-Uli Jon Roth...). This debut album is a little surprise cause each member brings his own influences and we feel really different musical influences, the Swedish heavy-metal of course but also the Danish touches near of Pretty Maids. The result is a good progressive / heavy-metal album influenced by Dream Theater and Pretty Maids with great melodies and great atmospheres. Maybe sometimes, the compositions aren't really original but it isn't a problem 'cause the band has a great technicality and we forgot this lack of originality. A good debut CD, they should continue in this way... (7/10)

BLACK SYMPHONY : Tears Of Blood (Rising Sun Productions, 55'47', 12 tracks, heavy-metal) : I didn't know this young band signed by Rising Sun Productions but I am really satisfied about this CD. The music played by the band is really original, influenced by the German heavy-metal and the scene from England but Black Symphony uses also thrash-metal touches (Testament, Dark Angel) and some 80's touches and the result is a good CD for this band. Really original music and really original compositions 'cause each track is really diversified (I Am Hate). (8/10)

BLACK WIDOWS : Dark Side Of An Angel (Recital Records, 19'34', 4 tracks, female heavy-metal) : Black Widows is a young band from Portugal and only composed by female members. The band started in 1995 and before to know some problems in 1999, they released 2 demo tapes, several shows and some TV shows. Unfortunately in 1999, one of the members died and they started to know serious problems. 2 members left the band but Black Widows was always alive and 2 new members joined the ranks. In 2000, they signed with Recital releasing this mini CD. 4 tracks playing heavy-metal music with some dark-metal touches but it is really interesting to listen metal music only composed by female members and we can listen a good debut mini CD. A good production, really interesting things in the music, they have a good potential... (6,5/10)

BLOODSHOT : Carnal Assault Upon A Godless World (Self released, 20'18', 5 tracks, power-metal with death and thrash-metal influences) : Bloodshot comes from Belgium and is born in 1999 by some guys and finally, this act was definitively established with the coming of others members. After many concerts and a little musical change, Bloodshot releases its first demo under the CD format. 5 songs of power-metal with death and thrash-metal influences and with a great production. Imagine old Metallica mixed with Pantera and earlier Machine Head. Maybe it isn't an original mini CD but the production is really killer, powerful and aggressive, nothing to say about it and in my point of view, several professional bands haven't this sound ! A good debut release with really interesting ways to confirm... (7/10) ; e-mail : invictus@nirvanet.net

BURNING POINT : Salvation By Fire (Limb Music Products, 50'52', 10 tracks, heavy-metal) : New band signed by LMP or more precisely, the German label got the licence to release the CD, Burning Point comes from Finland and the problem is the band is too influenced by the Finnish scene. It is sure, when you listen the music, you think to Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica but Burning Point develops some personal touches by mid tempo passages and epic influences. There are good things in this debut CD but Burning Point is a little bit too influenced by the scene from Finland, maybe the second effort will be more diversified. (6,5/10)

C OF E : Protect Me From What I Want (Great White Noise Records, 34'36', 12 tracks, power-metal with hardcore influences) : I did a review about this CD a couple of months ago when it was released by Polarbear but this label knew serious problems but this time, the band found a great deal with Great White North releasing this debut album. Born in 1995, C Of E comes from Holland and plays power-metal music. Not only a full power-metal music, we feel hardcore influences near of Biohazard. With their 2 demos, C Of E established their name in their country and now, they present their debut CD. As I said the musical way is between power-metal (Machine Head) with some Biohazard touches and sometimes, we feel also Slayer influences. It is a good debut CD with a powerful production and if you like the power / hardcore style, you should discover this band from Holland. (7,5/10)

COMA VOID : Stormking Twilight (Metal Age Productions, 60'00', 13 tracks, stoner with grind influences) : Generally Metal Age supports the Slovakian metal scene but this time, it is an American band joining the Metal Age ranks. I thought it was a death-metal act but no, it is a stoner band. By the sound, the heavy compositions, by the ambience, it is a full stoner band but Coma Void develops also other aspects in their music. In a way near of Bongzilla, the band mixed stoner with grind touches (mainly in the vocals) and there are really aggressive songs (Coma Void). Not only a stoner CD but also aggressive and grind aspects for this original CD. For all the Bonzgilla fans with more aggressiveness. (6,5/10)

CRIMINAL : Cancer (Metal Blade, 31'59', 10 tracks, power-metal with death and thrash-metal influences) : Criminal is a young band from Chile and any doubt, it is the best power / thrash metal band from this country. Metal Blade released in the past an album from this band and it was a little surprise. So, if you like the music influenced by Sepultura, Machine Head, you should listen Criminal. The new CD continues in this way that is to say traditional thrash / power-metal music always influenced by the same band and we don't feel a big evolution since the last CD, maybe more aggressive parts but I think it isn't a problem 'cause the aim of the band isn't to propose a different view but only to propose good power / thrash-metal music. A good come back for the band, any evolution for sure but if you are disappointed by the new way of the thrash-metal from South America, try Criminal, they are a traditional band. (7/10)

DESTRUCTION : The Antichrist (Nuclear Blast, 42'10', 11 tracks, thrash-metal) : "All Hell Breaks Loose" was the album of the resurrection for the cult German act Destruction and now, the machine is unleashed. They founded the thrash-metal scene from Germany with Sodom and they are always at the top of the metal scene. This sixth full act from the band is a pure German thrash-metal CD, the true Destruction music ! Don't search for an evolution, no, the rules of the band is to propose the thrash-metal music, their musical way created by them. Excellent songs, excellent compositions, you should have this CD in your CD player now ! (10/10)

DEVIN TOWNSEND : Terria (Inside Out, 72'01', 11 tracks, industrial / heavy-metal) : After the excellent previous release "Physicist", Devin is back with a new album for his solo project. In comparison with the previous album, this new one sounds as an experimental CD or more precisely a concept album. All songs are really diversified but the compositions are heavier, more melodic and more influenced by the heavy-metal even if we feel the own Devin step that is to say between industrial and avant-garde music. The whole of the CD is a great album, no problem, the fans will be satisfied but you can wait a different album than the others, as I said it is more a concept album with mid tempo instruments, really long tracks and a lot of atmospheres. (7/10)

DREAMTIDE : Here Comes The Flood (Frontiers Records, 65'43', 12 tracks, melodic heavy-metal) : With Frontiers Records, you can be sure to get great music but also projects of members who played in cult bands. The last is date is Dreamtide composed by members who played in Fair warning in the past. After the problems with this band, the several guys decided to take another way and the true example is Helge Engelke creating this new project. This new band plays melodic heavy-metal, influenced by Fair Warning, we feel same aspects by moment but the whole of the music is really more melodic with catchy and great riffs melodies. A good CD for Dreamtide, full of atmospheres and with great melodies. (7/10)

DRYADE : Existence (NSR Productions, 50'25', 10 tracks, heavy-metal) : The heavy-metal scene from France unleashes really excellent bands with Heavenly and there are a lot of bands playing a good heavy-metal in our country. The new band in date is Dryade releasing their debut CD. After some years in the underground, the band decided to release this debut CD and it is a good surprise. Influenced by Helloween, Stratovarius and Hammerfall with some progressive touches, we feel really interesting things in the Dryade's music with excellent breaks, technical riffs.... Maybe the musical way isn't really original but I must say it is a good surprise. (8/10)

EDENBRIDGE : Arcana (Massacre Records, 57'06', 11 tracks, symphonic heavy-metal) : Edenbridge, with their debut CD Sunrise In Eden, got many great responses from the metal press for this album that was really excellent and it is a pleasure to listen the new CD from the Austrian band. The new compositions are always in the same way that is to say symphonic heavy-metal with female vocals and Edenbridge develops a music between Nightwish and Stratovarius. The songs are also more symphonic with more keyboards are more atmospheres but the whole of the CD is the continuity of their excellent debut CD ! The Finnish musical style made by a band from Austria and if you are searching the crossover between Nightwish and Stratovarius, don't miss this new one ! (8,5/10)

EDGUY : Mandrake (AFM Records, 64'26', 11 tracks, heavy-metal) : Tobias Sammet knew the success with his new project Avantasia and this excellent musician is back with his original band. I know all the albums released by this band and each album creates a new step, a more mature and more technical CD and this new one, and you can understand, is the best CD released for Edguy. True heavy-metal with symphonic passages and when you listen the sound (the CD was mastered at the Finnvox studio), you can believe me when I say it is one of the best heavy-metal CDs of this year. More technical, more mature and more aggressive with the talent of Edguy, the new compositions show the full experience of the band and I think it will be hard to release a such album in the future. The masterpiece of the Edguy's discography, a traditional CD of their musical style but what musical style ! (9/10)

ELVENKING : Heathenreel (AFM Records, 55'08', 11 tracks , Viking heavy-metal) : What original heavy-metal playing by Elvenking. I discover the band a couple of months ago but I am really surprised by the music of the band from Italy. Between folk and heavy-metal, Elvenking creates the Viking heavy-metal style. We know the Viking-metal with Enslaved, Borknagar and now, we have the Viking heavy-metal style with Elvenking. The heavy-metal music is influenced by the Swedish scene and Helloween but due to the folk and Viking influences developing great melodies and atmospheres, Elvenking releases one of the most original heavy-metal CDs of this year ! A great album ! Not only for all the heavy-metal fans but for those who like the folk and Viking metal... (8,5/10)

EMERALD RAIN : Perplexed In The Extreme (Frontiers Records, 43'05', 10 tracks, melodic heavy-metal) : Emerald Rain is born in 1997 and they have a success that is established in Japan and in their country in Canada, unfortunately, they didn't know a great success in Europe and sincerely I don't know why. A new contract with Frontiers Records was signed a couple of times ago that released the second CD of the band with a full new brand recordings and this time the European fans started to discover the band due to really great shows with Millenium and Bob Catley. Emerald Rain is back with its third full CD and what progression ! Always melodic heavy-metal but we feel a lot of interesting things such great guitars riffs, great atmospheres... Basically, I didn't know the band but I have regrets 'cause when I listen the new materials, I am really agree to say you this album is a due for all the melodic heavy-metal fans. A great new CD, with some Dream Theater touches but it is really interesting. (8,5/10)

EMINENCE : Chaotic System (Diamond Records, 47'01', 15 tracks, power-metal) : I remember this Brazilian band that I discovered with their previous materials but I hadn't the luck to listen their new full album. Diamond Records releases it and I can see the band is playing the same music. Always between Fear Factory, Pantera and Machine Head, the new compositions are stronger, more aggressive and more power-metal than in the past and one of the consequences is these new songs are really more influenced by the power-metal music and less by Fear Factory even if we feel some core passages. A good new CD for this young band from Brazil. (7/10)

EMPYRIA : The Legacy (Nightmare Records, 37'44', 7 tracks, progressive / power-metal) : After a debut album released by Noise Records, Empyria flies, since few times, under a new banner, USA' Nightmare Records. For those who don't the band, Empyria plays a crossover of progressive metal (Dream Theater...) and power-metal with speed-metal touches and some traditional heavy-metal influences. In fact, this mini CD is composed by 4 parts and a special song that is unreleased. Only new songs and compositions are new materials in this mini CD. Personally, I had never listened the band, I knew only the name and I am satisfied by the music, a good mini CD between progressive and power-metal. (7/10)

ENTOMBED : Morning Star (Music For Nations, 37'00', 12 tracks, stoner) : Since To Ride, Shoot Straight And Speak The Truth, Entombed took another musical way, stoner music and closed the death-metal age. I don't know if it is a good choice but the band preferred to play a new musical direction far of the debut albums. Clandestine and Left And Path are for sure the best CDs released by the band and since these 2 excellent CDs, I am really disappointed by the materials. With this new CD, Entombed continues to play stoner music but this new CD is a little bit more death-metal as in the past (Chief Rebel Angel). The whole of the CD is in the same way than the last CDs but I don't know, sometimes, I find some old elements near of Clandestine. It is a just a new album from the Swedish band and if you are like me and if you prefer the old ages, I don't know if you will be interested by this new CD. (6/10)

EVERGREY : In Search Of Truth (Inside Out, 47'49', 9 tracks, heavy-metal) : With their second CD released by Hall Of Sermon, Evergrey released a great CD, a true heavy-metal masterpiece from Sweden. This time, Evergrey signed with Germany's Inside Out to unleash their new full CD. The musical way is always the same, heavy-metal music that is really original with some progressive and speed-metal influences by with full of atmospheres. It is really difficult to give you influences 'cause for those who don't know the band, Evergrey find an original way. Don't miss this new CD, a really great new album from Evergrey. (8/10)

FURY : Stigmatised (Self released, 17'06', 4 tracks, heavy / thrash-metal) : This five members band is born in 1995 in Australia. Unfortunately, they knew several problems with the line up and due to this, they changed some members. In spite of this, Australia's band released few stuffs such a full CD in 1997 and 2 years before an EP. In my opinion, the popularity of the band grew up, not for these releases, but due to many collaborations to tribute CDs and compilations, it shows the reason for which Dwell Records asked them to participate to the upcoming tribute CDs to release. About the musical way, Fury plays thrash-metal music influenced by Megadeth, Slayer, Testament with some power-metal touches and heavy-metal influences. With this new mini CD, the band proves their potential in the thrash-metal scene and releases something that is very interesting. We are waiting to listen new materials and the cover songs played by the band. (7/10) ; e-mail : fury666@deathsdoor.com

GAMMA RAY : No World Order (Metal-Is Records, 51'59', 11 tracks, heavy-metal) : A new album for this cult band is always an event ! Seventh release for Gamma Ray and once again, the band reaches to create a different album with different compositions. It is sure, you'll find all the best elements of the band but the songs are really heavier, more aggressive and sometimes with really excellent riffs, it creates atmospheric and great melodies ! Gamma Ray is an old band, one of the founder of the heavy-metal scene but this new CD is once again a cult release ! It is for all the fans of the band and of the heavy-metal music more generally ! (8/10)

GIANT : III (Frontiers Records, 44'45', 10 tracks, melodic heavy-metal, release date : 28/11/2001) : We hadn't any news from Giant since their last CD released in 1991 Time To Burn but the members were really busy and mainly Dan Huff who did many studio sessions with Celine Dion, Shana Twain and he produced also 2 albums for Megadeth and won a Grammy Award for his production). The brothers Huff were more and more involved to produce CDs for bands. Finally, in 1999 things were moved when in 1999, they signed with Frontiers and thought to release a new CD. This new CD is now released and it is a pleasure to listen this great band. After a mini CD to introduce us to this new CD, Giant releases a new killer CD. All the elements of the band are in this CD, great melodies, catchy songs and with the Giant touch. Not really aggressive or brutal, it isn't the aim of the band, these 10 new tracks prove Giant has always its feeling in spite of the 10 years between both CDs. An excellent new CD for Giant and it is a pleasure to listen the Giant music. (9/10)

GIANT : Don't Leave Me In Love (Frontiers Records, 27'31', 5 tracks, melodic heavy-metal) : Before the release of the upcoming new CD from Giant, Frontiers Records releases a mini CD featuring a song taken from their new full album III, 3 live songs and an unplugged track. The new composition is really excellent, really more diversified, more melodic in comparison with the previous CDs and we can hope a great new CD ! About the live songs, the sound is really good and these live songs are unreleased, so it is due for all the fans of the band. About the unplugged version, Stay, I prefer the original but this one shows all the melodies and atmospheres of the band. A great mini CD, the new full CD will be released in few days, so you can wait an excellent new release. (8/10)

GRAVE DIGGER : The Grave Digger (Nuclear Blast, 42'20', 11 tracks, heavy-metal) : For the fans, each album released by Grave Digger is an event but for me, I don't know, I am not a big fan of the Grave Digger's music and it isn't this new CD that will change my point of view. I must consider all the elements of the band are here with me technical songs and crushing riffs, but the whole of the CD is a simple heavy-metal album maybe played by a cult band but I keep my first position. If you like Grave Digger, for sure, enjoy this CD but for the others, as me, take another way.... (6/10)

HAVEN : The Road (Frontiers Records, 61'00', 12 tracks, hard rock / heavy-metal) : In my opinion, Haven is one of the more melodic bands that I have listened these last times. This young band is formed by 3 members and mainly Pamme (lead vocals) who gives full of atmospheres to the compositions 'cause female vocals are mixed with melodic and rock songs. Imagine Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Rush with some pop and rock touches and with, for sure, female vocals. I think even if the musical way isn't really aggressive, Haven releases a good album featuring guest starts such Matt Sorum (Guns N'Roses), Robin McAuley or Jimmy Hotz (Yes...) and it is sure, for a debut album, I am really surprised about it. For all the fans of melodic hard / heavy music and rock ballads. (7,5/10)

HORAKANE : Eternal Infinity (Frontiers Records, 52'44', 11 tracks, hard / heavy-metal) : Horakane is a studio project born in 1988 of the brains of 2 members who played in praying Mantis and in Jamie Kane. The band is born 13 years ago but it is only in 1999 that Horakane released this CD in Japan. Frontiers Records decided to sign the band and re-releases the Horakane debut CD in Europe. The band plays hard and heavy-metal music influenced by the old Judas priest, Dokken and bands like this but I don't know, I don't find a great feeling. I liked the Praying Mantis CD but I don't find the same feeling, the same interest. Featuring some guest stars (Bran Dickson from Cathedral), I am a little bit disappointed by this CD and I prefer to listen the great debut CD unleashed by Praying Mantis. (5,5/10)

HUMAN FORTRESS : Lord Of Earth And Heavens Heir (Limb Music Products, 50'48', 11 tracks, heavy-metal) : New band signed by the cult heavy-metal label from Germany Limb Music Products, Human Fortress releases its debut really professional CD and when I say professional, it is a really professional CD with a great quality. Human Fortress plays heavy-metal music influenced by Helloween, Iron Maiden with great melodies and guitars parts. Songs such Under Black Age Toil are potential hits due to the catching riffs and the great composition and orchestration done by the band. Again a young and great band unleashed by Limb Music Products and once again, it is a pure heavy-metal masterpiece ! Excellent ! (9/10)

HURRICANE : Liquifury (Frontiers Records, 50'15', 10 tracks, hard / heavy-metal) : Hurricane is a cult band from the hard / heavy-metal scene since the debut of the band in 1985 and their 3 CDs but they knew several problems when they left Enigma Records and so, they decided to take a little break. The several members decided to join other projects and, finally, the band is back with the original line-up. A new contract with Italy's Frontiers Records and Hurricane presents its new full CD ! Always influenced by the hard music of the 80's, we feel a perfect cohesion between the members and even if the band took a little break, we don't feel this thing. More technical and better than the 3 previous albums, this new one is a due for all the fans. Melodic and full of atmospheres but not really brutal and aggressive, Hurricane is back and a good come back for the band with a great new CD ! (7,5/10)

IMAGIKA : And So It Burns (WW3 Music, 54'19', 13 tracks, heavy / speed-metal) : If you live in USA, these CD wasn't released and you didn't listen the new CD from Imagika but for the European market, the CD is released since a couple of months ago by Massacre Records. Finally, WW3 Music unleashes this new CD, the fourth album of the band from Bay Area, and as I said in the past when I did the review of the European version, this new one is a good heavy / speed-metal CD influences for sure by the Bay Area thrash-metal music. So, each song is influenced by Metallica, Nevermore, Iron Maiden and Testament. The 13 songs aren't really original but if you are searching for well played thrash-metal and speed-metal music, Imagika is for you. A good come back with this new CD. (7/10)

INTO ETERNITY : Dead Or Dreaming (DVS Records, 44'20', 10 tracks, heavy-metal with progressive and thrash-metal touches) : DVS re-released the debut album from this band a couple of months ago and now, the label from Holland unleashes the new full studio album. With these new materials, the Canadian act shows a different musical way or more precisely, we feel more different elements in the music. Always between heavy-metal and progressive music, the new songs are more influenced by the power and thrash-metal with some Machine Head and Slayer passages. The new songs develop also more progressive touches with great atmospheres and the whole of the CD is really more interesting, more brutal and more diversified in comparison with the debut album. A good new CD from Into Eternity. (7,5/10)

JORN : Worldchanger (Frontiers Records, 42'31', 9 tracks, heavy-metal) : It isn't necessary to present Jorn Lande from Norway who help bands such Ark or Millenium to obtain the success with his own production and work. He played also in Beyond Twilight and Nostradamus but last year, Jorn decided to take another way with his solo project. After a debut mini CD featuring 5 cover songs, he releases now his first full CD. For this solo project, famous members joined Jorn to record this debut album and we find Tore Moren, Sid Ringsby and Hellhammer the Mayhem drummer. The result is an excellent album with a great production (the CD was mixed by Tommy Hansen who worked with Helloween, Pretty Maids....) and the musical way is near of Ark, Black Sabbath and Millenium. The songs are really diversified, sometimes really progressive, dark and sometimes more speed-metal ; with tracks such Sunset Station, Jorn proves he is a great musician and one of the most compositors from Norway. (8,5/10)

KREATOR : Violent Revolution (SPV / Steamhammer, 56'45', 12 tracks, thrash-metal, release date : 24/09/2001) : The last Kreator's album, Endorama, was a really strange CD, more symphonic, more atmospheric and I didn't understand why the band recorded a such CD. I waited the come back of the band to listen the musical direction and the title of the first song Reconquering The Throne shows the last CD was only a kind of concept CD and Kreator wants to come back in its old roots. In fact, I believe the compilation released by the band was a preparing to this CD and Violent Revolution is without any doubt one of the best albums released by the band. A come back to their old thrash-metal and the compositions remember me Pleasure To Kill or Coma Of Souls. The great thrash-metal music, the perfect thrash-metal music I would say for this excellent come back. Maybe you dislike Endorama but you'll like Violent Revolution. (9/10)

LEVL : Controlled By Time (Punctured Records, 51'59', 10 tracks, thrash-metal) : I don't know the band but I got this CD from them and I can consider it is a good surprise. Levl comes from Canada and plays thrash-metal music influenced by Testament, Nevermore and early Annihilator. I think Controlled by Time is the first professional CD released by the band and the big point is the production 'cause the album was recorded by the masters Jeff Waters (Annihilator) and it is one the reasons for which the sound is really near of the sound of Annihilator. A good thrash-metal CD from Canada, maybe not really original but a good technicality. Continue in this way... (6,5/10)

MELODICA : Love Metal (Frontiers Records, 11 tracks, melodic metal) : Long Way From Home the debut album from the European / American band was a success for them and their melodic metal is now established due to this first great CD. I am waiting the come back of this band and I am not disappointed by this second effort. It is sure, the musical way isn't really brutal, no aggressiveness in the compositions but if you like the melodic metal, I think Melodic is for you. Featuring guest stars such Jonathan Mover (Joe Satriani, Marillion) and Paul Morris (Rainbow), you can be sure, this album has a top level about the technicality. More technical but also more melodic, this new full is really excellent, don't miss this great melodic metal CD. (8/10)

MENNEN : Circle Of Live (Snake Bite Records, 70'23', 13 tracks, heavy-metal) : I don't know this band from Holland and it seems they are very known in their country. Formed in 1992 by one of the Zinatra brains, the band wanted to play another musical style, more melodic than the music of the previous band and finally, they formed Mennen. "Circle Of Live" isn't a new full CD but a live CD recorded during their tour and passage to the Biebob in Belgium. All songs are taken from several albums of the band and Mennen presents its best songs of their 6 years. A good sound, good compositions, I was really surprise by their melodic heavy-metal between Scorpions, Gotthard and bands like that and it was a pleasure to discover this band with this live album. (7/10)

MESHUGGAH : Rare Trax (Nuclear Blast, 55'07', 10 tracks, cyber thrash-metal) : 3 years after their last effort, I hoped a new CD from the Swedish band but it is only a compilation with rare tracks. Only a compilation yes but a good idea to discover the old roots of the band and to buy the old materials of the band. Some songs comes from the first Meshuggah release, a vinyl disc but for the others stuffs, you could find live tracks, some old compositions recorded in the beginning of the band and with the original sound. For the fan of video file, some tracks in MPEG format have been recorded on it. It is a trend to release compilation, this new one is a good CD with interesting stuffs, I think to the first release of the band but it you have the entire discography of the band, you can take another way 'cause it will be no necessary to buy it.... (6,5/10)

MIDNIGHT SUN : Metalmachine (Limb Music Products, 45'59', 10 tracks, heavy-metal) : Midnight Sun is one of the new bands signed by the German label Limb Music Products but personally, I don't find their debut professional CD as a great CD. I don't know their musical way is a kind of heavy-metal music near of Rhapsody but without heroic fantasy touches and only with true metal influences and with influences such Helloween. The compositions are maybe original with catchy passages but personally, I don't find an interest to this CD. Just a heavy-metal CD. (5/10)

MONKEYHEAD : Monkeyhead (Frontiers Records, 50'24', 11 tracks, heavy-metal) : Once again, Frontiers Records presents a new band signed by them and a good surprise. I didn't know Monkeyhead but I find their debut album is really interesting. The band was formed few years ago by the 2 original members Jason Hook, who played in Mandy Moore and Bulletboys, and Simon Davies. Few times after, 2 other guys joined the band and Monkeyhead was definitely formed. The musical way is between Warrant, Dokken with really great melodies and some rock touches. We can say they play heavy-metal music but it isn't only heavy-metal music 'cause we feel great melodies in the guitars riffs. An interesting debut CD with a great sound, the fans of this musical way should be really satisfied. (7/10)

NECRODEATH : Black As Pitch (Scarlet, 39'00', 12 tracks, old thrash-metal) : Necrodeath is the oldest band from Italy (the band was formed in 1984) and the best band of the Scarlet's catalogue. Unfortunately, during a couple of years, Necrodeath decided to split up but in 1998, the band was back with a new killer CD and the legend was always alive ! Scarlet is proud to unleash the new full CD (fourth album) of the band and what CD, Necrodeath is always Necrodeath and their musical way is the true Necrodeath's identity. Between old thrash-metal and black-metal influenced by Bathory, Slayer, Destruction and Dark Angel with a modern sound (the album was recorded at the Underground Studio), this new full CD is more brutal, aggressive and stronger than before. If you like the old thrash / black-metal, don't miss Necrodeath from Italy, a true masterpiece in this musical style. (8,5/10)

NOSTRADAMEUS : The Prophet Of Evil (AFM Records, 53'57', 11 tracks, Swedish heavy-metal) : The previous CD released by this Swedish band and entitled Words of Nostradameus was a good Swedish heavy-metal CD but the problem was the songs were not really original 'cause too influenced by Hammerfall and the Sweden's scene. Listen bands such Wolf or Supreme Majesty, they are young but they propose really excellent debut albums ! This time, Nostradameus tries to diversify their compositions and we feel this 'cause this new CD is really more original but also more mature in comparison with Words of Nostradameus. We feel always the Hammerfall influences but with more melodies, more aggressiveness also and more diversified songs (mid tempo passages, great breaks...), Nostradameus releases a good new CD and I am really satisfied about the progression of the band... (7/10)

OPAQUE : Resolve (Root Of All Evil Records, 45'57', 11 tracks, power / thrash-metal) : It is the second effort from this young band but it is only the first CD that I can listen and I think, when I listen this good CD, to purchase the debut CD. Opaque plays power-metal music with thrash influences and in opposition of many bands influenced by Pantera and too influenced by this band, Opaque develops more thrash-metal touches. We can notice influences of Merauder, Machine Head with some Testament touches. The 11 tracks aren't really original but if you want something between these bands, Resolve the new CD from Opaque is in the good way. (8/10)

PAINSTRUCK : Aggressive Ways To Pacify (Paranoid Records, 44'41', 14 tracks, thrash-metal) : It seems the Portuguese metal scene knows a little revolution 'cause with the masters such Moonspell, there are many new bands coming from this scene (Tarantula, Sirius, Oratory...) and this time, it is a full thrash-metal band that we can discover. First deal with the new label from this country Paranoid Records and first professional CD, Painstruck proposes thrash-metal music near of early Sepultura albums with some machine head and Pantera touches. The compositions aren't really original but with a good and powerful production, Aggressive Ways To Pacify is a good debut CD. I hope the band will have more maturity and more technicality for the future 'cause they have a good potential. (6,5/10)

PINK CREAM 69 : Endangered (Bottom Raw / Nothing To Say, 48'52', 12 tracks, heavy-metal) : With Sonic Dynamite, the German band took another way, more influenced by the rock music and the hard FM. With this new CD, it confirms this point of view. The new songs have the Pink Cream 69 touch for sure but they are also more influenced by the hard FM music (Promised Land) and the rock music. To conclude, it is a good CD for Pink Cream 69, the same music than in the past even if we feel more melodic arrangements. (7/10)

PISSING RAZORS : Where We Come From (Spitfire Records, 36'12', 10 tracks, power-metal) : Pissing razors is a young band 'cause they born in 1998 but the have released already 3 CDs and this new one is the fourth CD released by the American act. Always power-metal music influenced by Pantera, old Machine Head, the new materials are really more aggressive, more brutal with stronger parts. For the rest of the CD, it is the same way than the previous CDs and the band continues to propose powerful music with a good aggressiveness. True power-metal music for all the fans of this musical style ! (7/10)

POWERGOD : Bleed For The Gods That's Metal Lesson 1 (Massacre Records, 44'41', 16 tracks, heavy-metal) : Powergod is a really attractive band 'cause they propose a good music but they don't compose a full album in 2 years, generally, they release an album by year. This time, it is a special CD, not a real full CD 'cause it is more a tribute CD. In a way near of Six Feet Under about the idea, this new CD is composed only by cover songs of bands influencing Powergod and we find tracks of Agent Steel, Manowar, Anthrax for a more thrash-metal approach, TNT and tons of others... This concept is a good concept to discover the Powergod roots but don't wait new compositions, it is only a kind of tribute CD played by Powergod. (6/10)

RHAPSODY : Rain Of A Thousand Flames (Limb Music Products, 42'01', 7 tracks, heavy-metal) : The cult Italian band is back with a new production and it is always an honour to listen new materials from them. As always, Rhapsody creates a true fantasy world by the compositions and the hymns are true hits. Only new compositions with some passages taken from the Dario Argento's movie Phenomena on the track Queen Of The Dark Horizons or from New World Symphony composed by Antonin Dvorak. It is a true Rhapsody new album or more precisely new mini CD with their own step and as always, it is a pleasure to listen new materials from them. We waited the new full CD with a big impatience ! (9,5/10)

RIFF MASTER GENERAL : A Trust Betrayed (Manqueller Records, 59'41', 11 tracks, heavy-metal) : After a good mini CD released a couple of months and for which I did a review, the band from Northern Ireland signed with a new label Manqueller Records releasing their debut CD. With this new material, we can listen a good evolution 'cause the songs are really more professional. The musical style is always influenced by Metallica and the heavy-metal scene from England but we feel also more personal influences mainly in the riffs. It is a good debut CD influenced by the heavy-metal from England and by Metallica but I am really satisfied about the evolution since their debut mini CD. (7/10)

RING OF FIRE : The Oracle (Frontiers Records, 61'28', 12 tracks, heavy-metal) : Ring Of Fire is officially born in November 2000 but the several members worked together in the past for the Mark Boals solo CD. Finally, in 2000 Mark left his other project and what project Yngwie Malmsteen and asked to the other members to form this band. Debut CD for Ring Of Fire and we feel a perfect technicality of the members. In fact, the line up is composed by Mark Boals of course but also guys coming from Steve Vai Band, Yngwie Malmsteen, Pat Travers... and you find this in the compositions. For sure, each member brings its personality and influences but for a debut album, it is really interesting. Playing heavy-metal music with classical elements, Ring Of Fire proposes a great debut CD full of technicality. (7,5/10)

ROYAL HUNT : The Mission (Majestic Entertainment, 51'55', 13 tracks, heavy-metal) : Royal Hunt established a great support in France due to the Nothing To Say promotion and due to many gigs in France. So, the well-known American band is back with a new CD showing a little evolution. The new compositions are really less heavy-metal and more classical, more complex and with harmonic influences in the guitars riffs. In comparison with Fear, the compositions are also less progressive metal (The Mission) and more aggressive with catchy riffs. A good come back for the band, an album that is a little bit different in comparison with Fear due to more classical and harmonic songs but the Royal Hunt's style is here. (7,5/10)

SAVIOUR MACHINE : Legend : Part III : 1 (Massacre Records, 78'37', 18 tracks, epic and progressive heavy-metal) : Few weeks ago, Massacre Records released a compilation about the cult band and now, the new full album is unleashed. Many persons waited this CD and they won't be disappointed. Saviour Machine continues to play epic and progressive heavy-metal but we can listen some new elements such more classical influences, heavier and really more symphonic / atmospheric. It is a great CD, each track is a hit and you feel a great technicality, a great sensibility I'd say... You can understand, this new CD from Saviour machine is a pure moment of progressive metal, don't miss it. (8/10)

SAXON : Killing Ground (SPV / Steamhammer, 49'51', 11 tracks, heavy-metal) : Each album of the cult band from England is an event and once again, Saxon releases a great CD. Metalhead wasn't the best album released by Saxon but this time Saxon proves their aren't dead yet. All the best Saxon elements are in these compositions that is to say killer guitars riffs (Killing Ground), and really catchy passages. In one word, it is a true Saxon album as the best CDs of the band such Wheels of Steel or Crusader and Killing Ground has the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) created by the band. A great new CD ! (8/10)

SCENE KILLER : Scene Killer (Meteorcity, 61'57', 13 tracks, stoner) : If you don't know Meteorcity from USA, I think you should discover this label 'cause it is for me the best label in the world about the stoner music. Once again, the American label releases a great new CD and this new band is Scene Killer. Scene Killer is born of the project of the members of famous bands (Monster Magnet, Solarized, Solace...) and I must consider it is a great project. It is sure, all the compositions have the same feeling than the other bands that is to say, we feel each influence of the members and it is a mix between the several bands but Scene Killer releases an excellent debut album I must say ! All the fans of the stoner music must discover this new excellent album ! (9/10)

SILENT FORCE : Infatuator (Massacre Records / Nothing To Say, 59'50', 13 tracks, heavy-metal, release date : 13/11/2001) : Did you like The Empire Of Future, the debut CD of the DC Cooper's project ? Maybe yes but maybe no and if you liked or disliked this album, you can be sure, this new full CD will be a masterpiece in your CDs and all the heavy-metal fans must buy this CD ! Excellent compositions with really technical guitars riffs, DC Copper is really one of the best musicians of these last times. With tracks such Infatuator or The Blade, Silent Force releases the perfect album with the perfect hits. More technical with more aggressive passages and heavier influences, Silent Force is back with one of the best heavy-metal releases of this year ! Excellent album ! (9,5/10)

SINERGY : Suicide By My Side (Nuclear Blast, 38'15', 10 tracks, heavy-metal, release date : 14/01/2002) : With their 2 previous CDs, Sinergy established a great name and for those who knew it was a simple project, Sinergy isn't a simple project but a full band ! This new CD is really excellent, really professional and maybe the previous had some defaults but this new one has any defaults. A killer sound, great compositions, so with Stratovarius, Sinergy is one of the best heavy-metal bands from Finland. Maybe more aggressive with a little progression about the technicality, Suicide By My Side is a great CD, better than the previous CDs. The new year begins with a great heavy-metal CD ! (9/10)

SKIN TAG : Beauty Mark (Frontiers Records, 46'31', 10 tracks, hard FM) : The band is born recently but it is started with 3 members and they released few demo tapes. Few times after, new members completed the line-up and Skin Tag was definitely formed. Frontiers Records signed the band from New Jersey and released the debut CD. Skin Tag plays hard FM music with some heavy-metal touches but it you are a fan about the Frontiers music, you can believe, you'll be satisfied by this new release 'cause it is a true hard FM CD as they released with many bands. Influenced by Bon Jovi, Melodica with some Shotgun Symphony (some members comes from this band), Skin Tag releases a great debut CD ! It isn't really aggressive or brutal but I think it isn't for the fans of this musical style, it is more for the hard FM fans.... (6,5/10)

SODOM : M-16 (SPV / Steamhammer, 49'04', 11 tracks, thrash-metal) : As you say with Kreator and Destruction, Sodom created the thrash-metal music from Germany and as the both legendary bands, Sodom is back with a new full album. M-16 is for sure a true Sodom CD but it is built as a concept album about the war, as the previous Code Red dealing with US Marines and the others dealing with political and social problems. Don't search for an evolution in the Sodom music, it isn't their aim but Sodom stays Sodom that is to say a cult band influencing many bands and we must give to them the respect. It is an event this come back, as the last CDs from Kreator and Destruction. (8,5/10)

SOLARIZED : Driven (Meteorcity, 40'05', 12 tracks, stoner) : Few days ago, Meteorcity released a new project Scene Killer featuring members of Monster Magnet and Solarized. So, it seems Solarized is really busy these last times 'cause after this side project, Solarized releases their new and second album. Do you remember the great debut CD Neanderthal Speedway unleashed in 1999 and becoming a true stoner masterpiece ? This time, the second album is out and the band continues in their stoner music but we can feel more rock and glam influences and we can listen less Kyuss and Fu Manchu influences. A great new CD, Solarized releases a killer stoner album, always influenced by the masters (Kyuss...) but really more personal and more professional. (8/10)

STORMWIND : Reflections (Massacre Records, 45'12', 10 tracks, heavy-metal) : The virtuoso Thomas Wolf is back with its third studio album after a good second CD but a little bit less interesting than the first album. This time Stormwind releases the best album of their discography. Always heavy-metal of course but we feel more heavier passages, great atmospheres to introduce the songs and really excellent melodic keyboards. It stays a good heavy-metal CD, a traditional heavy-metal CD for sure but with a great technicality and if you found the last album a little bit disappointing, you'll find this new one excellent. (7,5/10)

STYGMA IV : Phobia (Rising Sun Productions, 58'44', 10 tracks, heavy-metal) : Do you remember the great band from Austria Stigmata IV ? With really excellent releases, this band established a good name and we haven't any news from them ! Stygma IV is in fact the resurrection of this band and the members decided to give another name to the band (near of the old). The musical way is always the same, heavy-metal music with epic and speed-metal touches and personally, if we except the new band's name, the music is always the same, the continuity of Stigmata IV. It is a good heavy-metal release with full of qualities and it is a pleasure to listen the new materials from this great band. (8/10)

SUPREME MAJESTIC : Tales Of A Tragic Kingdom (Massacre Records, 45'21', 10 tracks, heavy-metal) : Supreme Majestic was one of the best anticipated bands from Sweden and I think Massacre had the great idea to sign them and you can believe me, they have in their ranks their Hammerfall. The negative point is Supreme Majestic is really near of Hammerfall but finally, I don't think it is an inconvenience. True heavy-metal from Sweden as you can imagine with power-metal influences in the riffs, you could listen really excellent songs with a killer production (Fredman studio). Even if we feel the same roots than Hammerfall, it isn't a problem 'cause Supreme Majestic is really excellent with a big technicality. Nothing to say in these 10 tracks, congratulations for this excellent debut CD. (9,5/10)

SYMPHONY X : Live On The Edge Of Forever (Inside Out, double CD, 15 tracks, progressive heavy-metal) : With their album V released few times ago, Symphony X released the best album of their discography. A live is always a great thing for bands releasing great CDs 'cause by this way, we can listen all the potential and all the technicality of the band. This live contains all the best songs of the band (Smoke And Mirrors, Sea Of Lies or Communion And The Oracle) and what sound, it is a pleasure to listen each instrument and I am really glad to listen some tracks recorded in France. A great live CD and a great present for all the Symphony X fans. (8,5/10)

TEN : Far Beyond The World (Frontiers Records, 62'26', 11 tracks, hard FM / heavy-metal) : The Name Of The Rose was definitely the best CD released by Ten and I think it will be really difficult to release a better album. With Far Beyond The World, Ten releases once again a good CD but I consider always The name Of The Rose as the best CD released by the band. This sixth studio CD has really interesting things, the great elements of the band but personally, I don't find the same elements recording on the other CD. Far Beyond The World is more and more melodic, with more epic touches but the whole of the music stays between hard FM and heavy-metal. Not the best release of the band but a good CD... (7/10)

TESTAMENT : First Strike Still Deadly (Spitfire Records, 48'51', 11 tracks, thrash-metal) : With this CD, the cult band from the Bay Area scene decided to visit their old roots and by this way, they propose this best of. All songs come from their 3 debut CDs and you could find a demo track never recorded for another CD. You fill all the Testament hits taken from their 3 debut CDs such The Haunting, Disciples Of The Watch Or Alone In The Dark. With a killer production 'cause all the songs are remastered and it is new interpretations of the songs, Testament shows how were the cult thrash-metal roots. A cult best of for one of the founder of the modern thrash-metal music! (8,5/10)

THE DEFACED : Domination Commence (Scarlet, 40'03', 11 tracks, Swedish death / thrash, release date : 24/09/2001) : The Defaced is a really young band from Sweden but it was formed by professional guys 'cause it is featuring Darkane, Soilwork and Terror 2000 members. You could believe again you will listen Swedish death-metal music but not this time, The Defaced plays a musical way more thrash-metal and more influenced by the power-metal scene. Between Machine Head, Meshuggah and The Haunted with the Swedish feeling in the riffs, it is great to see and to listen famous guys from Sweden can play another musical way than the traditional death-metal. A great first CD, maybe a new musical direction for Sweden ????? (8/10)

THE TRACEELORDS : Sex, Money, Rock'n'roll (Massacre Records, 40'39', 13 tracks, heavy / rock'n'roll) : The Traceelords is born after the leaving of Andy Brings of Sodom. He decided to create this project with three others guys and The Traceelords is born. Not really near of Sodom if sometimes we feel some same influences, the music played by this band is really more rock'n'roll than thrash-metal but we feel heavy-metal roots. As I said not really thrash or heavy-metal but a kind of rock'n'roll metal influenced by the 70's and the 80's. A new vision of the music for Andy and don't miss the 2 excellent cover songs (Boney M and Patrick Hernandez), excellent ! For the rest, it is a good rock'n'roll metal CD. (6,5/10)

TIMO TOLKKI : Hymn To Life (Nuclear Blast, 60'30', 12 tracks, heavy-metal, release date : 28/01/2002) : The Stratovarius mastermind is back with its solo project and second full CD for himself and it is sure, the success of Stratovarius allows to consider this solo project as a cult solo project 'cause the songs are really more technical, more lyrical, more melodic than the compositions taken from the first effort. All the musical progression is the same than the Stratovarius progression and Timo releases with this solo project a great new album. The songs are really excellent and really diversified (the experimental Divine), the production is great and to conclude, Timo releases here an excellent new CD and once again, the success is here ! (9/10)

TRANSATLANTIC : Bridge Across Forever (Inside Out, 76'51', 4 tracks, progressive heavy-metal) : The good American band proposes a strange new CD that is to say, it is composed by 4 tracks for more 76 minutes. In fact, each song is a part and divided into several compositions but is as a complete song and you can think these 4 tracks are only 4 complete compositions. About the musical way, Transatlantic plays progressive heavy-metal with really interesting and diversified elements. They are influenced by the masters of this kind of music of course but their music develops really interesting things and with the great keyboards, it creates a real world and really diversified atmospheres. It is a good CD but to listen one track, it is a little bit difficult. (6/10)

UNDER SUSPICION : Under Suspicion (Frontiers Records, 47'58', 10 tracks, hard-rock / melodic heavy-metal) : Under Suspicion is born from the idea of Klay Shroedel in 1999 and with the help of 2 other members, he founded this band. Under Suspicion signed with Frontiers Records releasing the debut album of the band. This debut album is between melodic and hard-rock music influenced by Bon Jovi sometimes and with good melodic parts. The result is a good debut CD, really melodic and featuring some guest stars (Mickey Thomas), the fans of the melodic metal style will find good things in this CD. (6,5/10)

VIRGIN STEELE : Hymns To Victory (Noise Records, 78'25', 13 tracks, heavy / speed-metal) : This new CD from the cult band isn't a full new CD but only a compilation with new songs but also with tons of old materials with different mix. There are 2 true unreleased songs and for the other songs, it is songs with a different mix or acoustic songs (The Spirit Of Steele). A good compilation for sure but I don't know if it is necessary to buy it maybe for the unreleased songs but buying a full CD for 2 songs, it is maybe not a great solution....(6/10)

WARMEN : Beyond Abilities (Spinefarm Records, 46'34', 11 tracks, melodic heavy-metal, release date : 17/01/2002) : Warmen is the project of members from Children Of Bodom, Tunnelvision, Mannerheim... and these guys decided to form a heavy-metal band from Finland but they wanted also to develop an original musical way and in 2000, they released a good debut album entitled Unknown Soldier that was a good release, maybe near of Stratovarius but with more personal elements. The second CD is now released and the band increases their originality. In first, the songs are more melodic and more influenced by the progressive metal and even if we feel again some Stratovarius influences, the whole of this CD is a good CD, not only a copy of the master from Finland. Between melodic metal and progressive music, Warmen proposes a good musical way. (7/10)

WUTHERING HEIGHTS : Within (Sensory, 47'40', 7 tracks, heavy / speed-metal) : Band formed by the famous guitarist from Denmark Erik Ravn with the help of Kristian Andren (Memento Mori, Tad Morose), Wuthering Heights releases a first full CD that is really good with really interesting things. The stuff is between heavy and speed-metal with symphonic touches, so imagine Angra mixed with Blind Guardian and Tad Morose (for sure). Traditional heavy / speed-metal, maybe we could think this but the use of original instruments such flute or violin and featuring many famous persons, it is really diversified by this way. A good CD, heavy and speed-metal, maybe not really original for the main musical way but with a good technicality. (6,5/10)

YANN ARMELLINO : 3 (Mouche Records / Edel France, 47'14', 11 tracks, guitar hero) : The 2 previous CDs were good CD but personally, I wasn't too interested by this kind of music 'cause Yann plays guitar and these CDs were only guitar hero CDs. The third CD recorded by him is now unleashed and Yann continues in the same way that is to say guitar hero music. With some instruments (guitar of course but also drums and bass), he composed a good new CD, more groovy than the previous and always influenced by Joe Satriani with some Van Halen and Ac / DC touches. For the fans of this musical style, it is really technical it is sure but you should like this musical style to listen 3. (6/10)